The need for supplements?

Some would argue that with a balanced diet there is no need for anyone to take supplements. In the west we eat a variety of foods that should provide for all our nutritional requirements.  However I believe that there are times when the right supplements can make all the difference.  Those times are pre-conceptually, during pregnancy and after birth during breastfeeding.

Pre-conceptually (which is the year before conception) it is important to detox the body and build up stores of the right minerals to prepare for growing your baby.  The basics for de-toxing being stopping alcohol, smoking and drugs and cleansing the body of residual chemicals. Of course avoiding chemicals in the environment is also important too - so change your toiletries and stop using things like antiperspirant.  Good pre-conceptual nutrition advice can be obtained from nutritional therapists and fertility experts whom you can find on Born Together.

The basic supplements to take from the moment you decide you want to have a baby are

• Antenatal forte


• Magnesium


• Fish oils (f you are a vegan or vegetarian then take Udos oil)

All these are available from Biocare, see the link below for a discount code.





Magnesium is a mineral so many of us are lacking in our diets. It is primarily found in green vegetables, along with calcium, however our soil is so lacking in this mineral that it one that you will probably need to supplement.  Take 1 100mg capsule per day pre-conceptually and then during pregnancy.  Magnesium is necessary to allow the cells to relax and get rid of their toxicity. It is a fantastic supplement to take to prevent menstrual cramps and since I've discovered it I always take it instead of reaching for the paracetamol.  If works faster and better, take 2 capsules every hour until the cramps subside.  During labour magnesium can make a huge difference to the effectiveness of contractions. At the onset of labour take 1-2 capsules every hour - it will help the uterus to relax and the contractions be more effective. I've also found that Magnesium helps me to get a good nights sleep.

After labour when the womb is contracting magnesium will be your new best friend.  It will help your womb to contract back without the intense pain that some women feel is worse than labour itself.

Calcium is the one mineral you will be told you need during pregnancy to grow your baby's bones. Whilst this is true the best place to get it is not from cows milk - despite what we are told from health professionals or the milk marketing board. Think about it, where does a cow get its calcium from to provide milk for it's calf? Grass! Green vegetables have a lot of calcium in them in a soluble form which if how our bodies like it.  Our tap water also contains a lot of calcium. When I was in Goa recently I was amazed that the kettle was completely fur free. No calcium in Goa's water. In the UK because of the chalk used in the filtration process our water is very calcium rich.  The Biocare Ante-natal formula contains the right amount of calcium for you during this time, I'd also advise it to be taken after birth.

Lacking Good Essential Fatty Acids are the reason so many of us get 'pregnancy brain' that forgetfulness that strikes most women during pregnancy and afterwards. This is because your brain is a fat rich organ that needs EFS's to work. During pregnancy and breastfeeding your baby will get its EFA's from your brains stores if you do not have enough in your diet. Breast milk is also EFA rich and so it is worth supplementing during breastfeeding too.

Of all the companies I have looked at Biocare have the best quality supplements and they are British made too. We do not yet sell them in our stores but you can buy direct from them and get 10% off when you use the code 5870. Call 0121 433 3727 to place and order.  A carriage free order is £25.